Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

First, I disagree with the Deputy's analysis of the Government's commitment to climate change. This Government has introduced some of the most significant climate change legislation. The targets we have set are unprecedented. They create a legal obligation on the Government and future governments, which is the first requirement. For example, we introduced the carbon tax, which gives resources both now and in the future to deal with fuel poverty and retrofitting. It gives the funding to enable retrofitting to happen. That is provided for in legislation in the terms of the publication of the climate action plan, it will be very challenging. That is why we need everybody in the House on board in respect of the actions that have to be taken. I do not know whether Deputy Shortall continues to support the increases in carbon tax. I am not clear how she responded to the turf issue recently. She seemed to box in different directions and articulate against the Government on that.

See this speech in context